ELLSWORTH – In case you missed it, Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery is partnering with the United Way to give back to the local community through its Ellsworth Cares initiative aimed at supplying needy families with essentials.

For every donation of a hygiene product received, Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery will then donate three pounds of cheese to community food shelves, which will be distributed across the state in partnership with the United Way and local food pantries.

Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery Retail Store Manager (in Ellsworth) Olivia Girdeen said the support from employees, patron farmers, customers and the community has been heartwarming.

“We’re already thinking about our next Ellsworth Cares initiative and how we can come together to meet other community needs and challenges,” Girdeen said. “Considering how well-received this effort has been, and how wonderful the United Way offices throughout our region have been to work with, we are discussing if we can make this or a similar drive an annual event.”

Girdeen said what makes the initiative so great is not only supporting those in need with diapers, wipes and personal care items, but incentivizing the donations with cheese donations to food pantries across the state.

“This makes the effort even more impactful for families in need,” Girdeen said.

Donations can be dropped off at the following locations:

Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery

232 N. Wallace St., Ellsworth, WI 54011

Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery – Menomonie:

3001 County Road B Menomonie, WI 54751

Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery – New London:

1005 Orville Dr. New London, WI 54961

Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery is a farmer-owned co-op based in the Cheese Curd Capital of Wisconsin, Ellsworth. For 112 years, their 250 patron family dairy farms and dedicated employees have been proudly producing award-winning cheese curds and artisan cheeses.